AES Unveils New 55-Acre Solar Project at Site of Former Illinois Landfill

BELLEVILLE, IL (December 15, 2021) – The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), a global leader in greener, smarter energy, today unveiled a new 55-acre, 13-megawatt solar field located in Belleville, Illinois. The solar facility will generate enough electricity to power more than 2,000 homes.

AES constructed the solar field on the site of a closed landfill owned and maintained by Phoenix-based Republic Services (NYSE: RSG). The facility is one of the largest solar projects in the United States to be built on a closed landfill site.

“AES is committed to accelerating a greener, smarter energy future and seeks renewable energy solutions that address the needs of the communities in which we live and work,” said Joshua Mayer, project developer for AES. “Through critical partnerships like the one with Republic Services, we support a sustainable environmental and economic future for the businesses and residents of Illinois, together.”

The new solar field offsets more than 13,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of almost 3,000 gas-powered cars per year. The project also created nearly 100 local jobs and will generate millions in local and state tax revenue. AES and Republic own the solar field, AES operates the solar field equipment, and Republic owns and cares for the landfill upon which the solar field exists. AES and Republic are partners on several solar projects across the country, but this is the first jointly owned solar field on a Republic closed landfill.

“Republic Services takes pride in its role as a responsible steward of the environment, and we constantly seek opportunities to deepen the environmental benefit we can drive from our owned assets,” said Brian Martz, Republic Services director of renewable energy development. “As a leader in the environmental services industry, we are committed to long-term sustainability. Placing solar fields on closed landfills delivers clean, renewable electricity for customers and the communities we serve.”

As part of today’s virtual public ribbon-cutting event, AES also announced a donation of $10,000 to HeartLands Conservancy, the largest conservation not-for-profit in southern Illinois. The event also featured insights from AES, Republic Services and HeartLands Conservancy leaders, as well as a video showcasing the new solar field.

“We look forward to a longstanding relationship with AES as we work together to conserve, connect and restore southwestern Illinois’ diverse natural and cultural resources,” said Mary Vandevord, president and CEO of HeartLands Conservancy. “Working together with companies like AES and Republic Services, we will continue to seek opportunities to conserve and manage our valuable natural resources to sustain the people and communities we serve.”